Palisades Park Routes

The Palisades has great pink quartzite popping up out of the prairie near Sioux Falls and Garretson, SD. Climbing on the bluffs of Palisades State Park can be a great way to learn the art of setting up a top rope anchors or keep your strength up until next time you get a chance enjoy some Black Hills Climbing.

Sylvan Rocks has been offering rock climbing instruction at the Palisades for many years and is the only AMGA accredited school working there. Mark Greeno (AMGA TR Instructor) would be psyched to show you the routes around his favorite South Dakota Park.

Palisades State Park Climbing Routes

One of Marks favorite rock climbing areas in the park is on Harkor Tower.

It is on the south side of the river at the base of the stairs. You can anchor by using a tree and a few nice cracks at the top. There are four nice climbs of various ability all there together.

1 - GLIMMER: (5.10) Climb directly up the face to the right of the chimney ... "classic Palisades's face climb" !!

2. - HOT COALS: (5.9) Do the face just to the right of GLIMMER. Bring your chalk when its HOT, HOT, HOT.

3. - GAIL'S FOLLY: (5.6) Large crack with a large loose stone.

4. - SPIRITAL INVESTMENTS: (5.11) Climb face just to the right of GAI'S FOLLY.

Get a great pump on this is beautiful Pink Sioux Quartzite !!!